810 Foreign Relations, 1958-1960, Volume IX



spot in this dark picture is the nomination for the post of Minister of Ag-
riculture of Eduard Hartmann, a man of excellent reputation whose
name is invariably mentioned when possibilities for the chancellorship
are discussed. His nomination, of course, gives recognition to the impor-
tant role of the Peasant's League (Bauernbund) as the principal supplier
of votes for the People's Party, and his inclusion in the Cabinet is a defi-
nite plus.
    In contrast to People's Party, Socialist Party has vigorous and dy-
namic leadership in Pittermann, and Socialist side of government nego-
tiations was conducted with great skill. People's Party was kept
continuously off balance through hard-driving but fast-shifting tactics
of Socialist negotiators. Socialists cleverly declined consistently to be
pinned down on their ultimate negotiating aims. While proclaiming pi-
ously their belief in continued coalition cooperation and simultaneously
demanding that their plurality in popular vote be recognized by abso-
lute equality in distribution of government posts, they worked steadily
for expansion of Socialist influence and an improved tactical position
within coalition administration. Butter would not melt in their mouths
regarding necessity for continuance of coalition, but some of their lead-
ers privately admit their determination to move forward with view to
possible full take-over of government after next election. Socialists
waged skillful psychological warfare against Raab personally and
against People's Party throughout negotiations which, while not alto-
gether admirable in some of its aspects, was eminently successful. As a
result, a disorganized People's Party probably conceded more to Social-
ist electoral gains than would have been necessary had they had clear or
cohesive goals of their own.
    This is not to say that Austrian Socialist Party is a monolithic struc-
ture. There are differences among individuals and certainly divergences
of opinion over party philosophy. However, Socialists have been very
successful in settling their differences behind closed doors, and diver-
gent viewpoints are not paraded before the public, as are People's Party
divisions and animosities. While Pittermann is clearly dominant figure
in his party at present, he is by no means dictator and he cannot impose
his views at will. There is general agreement among qualified observers
that Waldbrunner has lost prestige and position within his party, but he
is still a force not to be discounted, and he maintains a loyal following
among those more ideologically minded Socialists who are not happy
with Pittermann's recasting of the party in a bourgeois direction. The
effect of Waldbrunner's declining power on prospects for settlement of
such outstanding issues in Austro-American relations as the Vienna
Memorandum remains to be seen. In that connection, Kreisky's in-
creased influence as head of new Foreign Ministry with independent
status should be a positive factor. Kreisky, incidentally, belongs to a